Mo Egger had an interesting topic on his radio show today (you know the 1 of 2 sports radio talk show hosts on in Cincinnati) and it got me thinking. He was talking about how many people rag on the Bengals scouts and front office about their terrible judge of talent. I admit, I often think this also and I know the Bengals could benefit from a larger scouting department. However, I decided to look at the draft for the last several years and also free agency in the last couple to see what kind of talent the Bengals have been bringing in. I was surprised at the results.
In 2003 the Bengals had a really strong draft. Players still with the team are Carson Palmer, Jeremi Johnson and Scott Kooistra. Other quality picks were Eric Steinbach and Kelley Washington (still productive in the NFL and current Raven favorite). If an NFL team has 5 solid picks in a draft I think it shows as a successful draft.
In 2004 the Bengals drafted Madieu Williams, Landon Johnson and Robert Geathers. Geathers is still a top defensive presence on this team. Wiliiams and Johnson contributed heavily when they were here and both continued to play for other NFL teams.
In 2005 the Bengals struck out big in the draft in their first few picks. David Pollack and Odell Thurman looked to be possible pro bowlers in the making. However one was injured and one was an idiot. Neither are in the NFL. I don't blame the Bengals for that. Like Chris Henry (also drafted) who is still an excellent receiver and still a Bengal I think the gamble on Thurman was a risk worth taking. Those that bitch about Thurman are also the ones that leave the casino thinking "If I only would have....". Hindsight is 20/20. At the time the Bengals needed the upgrade and he gave it.
2006 was another good draft. Jonathan Joseph is a great player. Andrew Whitworth is improving every week and so far this season shut down one of the best ends in the NFL (Dumervil in week 1). Frostee Rucker is a force for the defense and Peko looks to be our most solid interior defensive lineman.
While 2007 did produce Leon Hall and Chinedum Ndukwe, that is about it from the Draft.
2008 was a big year. The Bengals strengthened the team through the draft with players like Keith Rivers, Pat Sims, Anthony Collins and new star Andre Caldwell. In fee agency Brandon Johnson filled a need and Antwan Odom looks to be a pro bowler this year.
The jury could still be out on some of the 2009 pickups. JT Osullivan looked to be an upgrade over Ryan Fitzpatrick in the pre season. Brian Leonard has not done much except for making the biggest play to win the game against Pittsburgh. Laveranues Coles is a solid receiver and I know then the passing game picks up he will show why he has been a number one for so many years. Tank Johnson and Roy Williams instantly brought toughness and attitude to a defense looking for an identity. All of the above were free agents, the Bengals also scored high in the draft. Rey Maualuga, Kevin Huber and Bernard Scott have all ready shown their value in this short season. Andre Smith and Michael Johnson have the potential to be upgrades at their positions with time.
Looking over the above, I have to give the talent scouts a little more credit than I had before (which was none). I do think the Bengals could use some help in scouting and personnel decisions, but I also think it may not be as bad as some would have you believe. With the obvious success in the last couple years in building talent, I hope the Bengals continue the trend and build a team that can not only win, but sustain for more than one fluke season.
WhoDey.
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